It’s no secret that our world is polarized. I could give you some sort of quote or statistic here to back it up, but there’s a good chance you are reading this article after just being on social media. So, I’m safe to assume that you are not blind to the polarity and anger and offense that is the toll fare for trafficking on this medium.
Disunity and polarity aren’t new. They are as old as the Garden of Eden. And they crop up in the first century in Paul’s letter to the Philippians. I’m one who believes that Philippians 4:2-3 is one of the central points of Paul’s letter to the Philippians.
2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
I believe much of what Paul is driving towards in his discussion about humility and striving together for the sake of the gospel has to do with this spat between these two named ladies. I also believe that Philippians 4:4-9 is connected to this passage.
When I’ve studied or preached on this passage in the past I’ve focused on Euodia and Syntyche. I even applied the directions in 4:4-9 to them. If you want to have unity then it’ll come through rejoicing, casting your cares on the Lord, and thinking correctly. I still believe that’s a fine application.
But I missed someone in this exhortation.
True companion.
We do not know the identity of this dude (or lady-dude). But whoever he/she is this person is called upon to “help” these women. And you know how I believe TC is supposed to help them? Look at Philippians 4:8 for a clue:
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
You want to know how to help the polarity in our world? First and foremost, focus on beauty yourself. Secondly, tell a better story. (I’m indebted to my friend, Alan Cross, for that language). You are not going to fix the disunity in your family, your local church, your community, or your nation by laboring to get everyone to agree with you. That’s not even what you’re biblically called to do. But we are called to live in the beauty of following Jesus and also call others into this glorious way of living and thinking.
There are really good and wonderful and beautiful things happening right now. Even in 2020. God is good and He is doing good. He still delights to give His kingdom to a dear little flock. That’s worthy of celebrating and getting excited every single day. And that’s the story that helps bring unity in the midst of polarity.
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